What is my question?
During this module I will investigate the influence of fairy tales on the formation of children’s identity. I will explore the way fairytales contribute to children’s behavioural patterns, value systems and the formation of gender ideology and stereotypes.
What is its background?
"Some argue that fairytales are pure fantasy, others take a more critical approach recognising the influence of these scripts in the socialisation of children. Fairytales written during the eighteenth and nineteenth century were intended to teach girls how to become domesticated, respectable and attractive. Despite the fact that the messages of these stories are outdated, fairytales continue to endure the test of time, playing a key role in reproducing gender stereotypes and gendered identities."
Why it’s important to me?
I often hear people claim that fairy tales and the adaptations of fairy tales, such as those retold by Disney, do not render truthful pictures of life, and are therefore unhealthy. I would like to explore into this because I am one of those who grew up watching and listening to these tales. It is one of the most memorable aspects of my childhood that I believe have shaped most of my personality as an adult.
How will it contribute to my development?
As I am interested in placing myself within the kid’s industry/children’s entertainment, I think that focusing my research around this age group would enable me to have a better understanding of what is happening in this industry, socially and culturally and therefore how to innovate within this context.
Methodology & Outcome:
How am I going to research it?
- Library reviews - Books, Journals, Internet
- Asking people/parents of their opinions on fairy tales
- Finding out what it is that children like about these tales and what they get out of them.
How will I accomplish my goal?
- Read
- Carry out questionnaires
- Interviews
What my practical outcome will be?
As there is a need for more strong, independent and courageous females in fairytales, for the practical side of CoP3, I will be retelling the story of a real life female 'hero', Malala Yousafzai in a fairy tale kind of fashion. As an inspirational figure, and one of the youngest, Malala is a good role model for the young and old. The aim of this is to get children interested in finding out who she is and using the elements of a fairy tale to teach children of real courage and bravery I believe, is a more engaging way to do this - also to teach them that these attributes are possible to achieve themselves, because they have someone who is real as an example. I believe there is also a demand for more cultural diversity to appear in children's literature and media, so this outcome would be a good start.
I am proposing to reinterpret her story in the style of an animated feature film, which will require me to produce visual development work (character and environment designs). I also want to create animations from this, but I don't know if I'm being too ambitious, and whether I will have the time.
If I am unable to do that, I will make a book instead and carry on the project into OUIL 603. I am proposing that the target audience for the final outcome of my CoP3 be children ages 4-9*.
*According to a research, children start showing a rudimentary sense of moral understanding around four years old, during the preschool years, so I thought it’d be best to target this age group.
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